The Wordsworths

Section Navigation

Sub Navigation

Spring 2017

The Wordsworths

Faculty

Description

This research seminar provides students with an opportunity to engage in archival research in the world’s most complete collection of the Wordsworth family’s manuscripts, letters, journals, books, and related materials, at The Jerwood Centre, in Grasmere, UK.

In the first half of the semester, students will read deeply in the writings of William and Dorothy Wordsworth and related criticism, in order to formulate the individual research questions that will drive them during their visit to Jerwood Centre. While in the UK, students will spend several days in the library. We will also have the chance to walk in the footsteps of William and Dorothy Wordsworth, up hills and around lakes, in search of the places that inspired their writings. Dove Cottage and Rydal Mount, the houses where the family lived, are in walking distance of the library. We will also take day trips to surrounding areas made famous by Wordsworth’s verse, such as Helvellyn, Piel Castle, and Furness Abbey.

By the end of the course, participants will have produced a polished piece of writing that could be used for a comprehensive exam presentation, as a writing sample for a graduate school application, or form the basis for a senior thesis.

The cost of this trip will be covered for those students with demonstrated financial need. Entrance to the class will be need-blind. Students must be available to travel for the entirety of spring break 2017.

Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Admission with consent of the instructor. Enrollment is by written application only, with an interview process to follow in fall 2016. Limited to 8 students. Spring semester. Professor Worsley.

If Overenrolled: The professor will solicit written applications in fall 2016, and then conduct an interview process. Students must be available to travel for the entirety of spring break 2017.